Benton Harbor Home Destroyed In Fire

firetruck2-13
firetruck2-13

A home in Benton Harbor is a total loss after a fire on Tuesday. The Benton Harbor Department Public Safety says it was sent to 1297 Superior Street just after 3 p.m. on reports of heavy smoke pouring out of the home’s windows. Firefighters found the smoke so thick there was no visibility in the yard. A haze of smoke also spread out for blocks. Due to what public safety calls a large amount of contents in the home, it was impossible to battle the flames from inside. As a result, City Manager Ellis Mitchell authorized an emergency demolition order to allow firefighters to extinguish the blaze. Meeks Construction arrived around 5 p.m. to conduct the demolition. Tearing out the back portion of the building enabled firefighters to get at the flames. The home was ultimately razed to the ground and the fire put out. The sole occupant of the home was not there at the time, and is unhurt. However, his dog was killed in the fire. The Red Cross has been called in to help him. The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety cleared the scene after 6 p.m.